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Thread: what strings should I use?

  1. #1

    Default what strings should I use?

    Hey, I just recently starter playing. I bought my Eastman MD315 used for a pretty good price. I don't know how long it had been sitting before I bought it. I replaced the strings that were on it with a spare package of what I believe were D'addario exp74's. They sound fine and I'm not disliking them necessarily, but having sat so long they have quite a few corrosion spots. Especially a lot on the steel strings. So I figure I should probably get some new strings. So I'd like some recommendations! I'm a solo player at the moment, and that probably won't change for quite a while, so strings that would help me get a nice deep pretty tone would be great (although there's probably some technique things I'll have to worry about before I really can see what the strings are doing for me haha). Thanks for any suggestions!
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  2. #2
    Mangler of Tunes OneChordTrick's Avatar
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    Default Re: what stings should I use?

    The default recommendation seems to be D’Addario EJ74 which I think are an uncoated version of what you have. My preference is Newtone strings but I’m not sure if they’re available your side of the pond.

  3. #3
    Registered User Roger Moss's Avatar
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    Default Re: what stings should I use?

    As the owner of a 305, I'd say you could put shoestrings on it and it would sound pretty dang good. You can't go wrong with 74s, though. I use 73s myself but those 74s are by far the most popular for tone and playability.
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  4. #4

    Default Re: what stings should I use?

    Alright haha, well I guess I'll stick with this kind, and I might try the uncoated version if I can find them over here in the colonies.

    any other suggestions are still appreciated of course
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    Default Re: what stings should I use?

    ...

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    Default Re: what stings should I use?

    Just so you know, as someone alluded to above, the EXP74's are coated and the EJ74's are not. I've always used the EJ74's. I did try the EXP's once and didn't like them as much as the EJ's, not to mention the th me EJ's are almost 1/2 the price.

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  7. #7
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    Default Re: what stings should I use?

    I like these Mapes and the great thing is you can build your own custom set.


    https://www.mapesstrings.com/product/mandolin-strings/

  8. #8

    Default Re: what stings should I use?

    Very cool! thanks guys.
    Just me and my Eastman MD315!
    And we're hungry to learn

  9. #9
    Worlds ok-ist mando playr Zach Wilson's Avatar
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    Default Re: what stings should I use?

    Each Mandolin will respond differently to each brand, type, and gage of string.

    On my Weber Yellowstone I like GHS A270s and John Pearse.

    But on my The Loar LM170 DR phosphor bronze (10-36) and those cheap Martin strings.

    And on my Red Valley flat top I have liked SIT strings the best (light gage).

    My advice is to change your strings every 3 months and try to remember what you used last. Experiment with different brands until you find the one you like best.

    I like to purchase mine from www.juststrings.com who is a cafe sponsor.

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    Default Re: what stings should I use?

    What Zach said...…. try out different makes gauges and alloys of mandolin strings. It's part of the process. R/
    I love hanging out with mandolin nerds . . . . . Thanks peeps ...

  11. #11
    Mangler of Tunes OneChordTrick's Avatar
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    Default Re: what stings should I use?

    And just remember if you ask 10 mandolin players what the best strings are you’ll get 13 different opinions

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    Default Re: what stings should I use?

    Quote Originally Posted by OneChordTrick View Post
    And just remember if you ask 10 mandolin players what the best strings are you’ll get 13 different opinions
    Really ? I was thinking 20 different opinions and subject to change !

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    Mangler of Tunes OneChordTrick's Avatar
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    Default Re: what stings should I use?

    Quote Originally Posted by yankees1 View Post
    Really ? I was thinking 20 different opinions and subject to change !
    Let's not fall out over this

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    formerly Philphool Phil Goodson's Avatar
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    Default Re: what stings should I use?

    Quote Originally Posted by Zach Wilson View Post
    Each Mandolin will respond differently...My advice is to change your strings every 3 months and try to remember what you used last. Experiment with different brands until you find the one you like best.....
    When you change strings, write the date on the back of the new string pack and put it in your case. Then you know what's on the mandolin at all times as well as its history.
    Phil

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    Default Re: what stings should I use?

    If you don't write it down it didn't happen ……… R/
    I love hanging out with mandolin nerds . . . . . Thanks peeps ...

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    Default Re: what stings should I use?

    I used to keep a little Field Notes pocket notebook in my case where I’d write down string changes, dates, impressions of brands, etc. Was helpful in finding what works for me.

    https://fieldnotesbrand.com/products/original-kraft
    ...

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    Registered User Dave Fultz's Avatar
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    Default Re: what stings should I use?

    Quote Originally Posted by Caleb View Post
    I used to keep a little Field Notes pocket notebook in my case where I’d write down string changes, dates, impressions of brands, etc. Was helpful in finding what works for me.

    https://fieldnotesbrand.com/products/original-kraft
    I do the same but with a spreadsheet in Google Drive.

    I notate instrument, brand, product number, gauge, when on/off and my opinion.

    Plus I keep the empty box/packet in the case box for reference as well.

    Too many times on guitars, did I think “Those strings were wonderful,” and have no idea what I put on them a year ago. I have a strong willingness to try new stuff, and a weak memory.

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  21. #18

    Default Re: what stings should I use?

    Thanks for the tips. I'll make sure to record what I use. I'm the same way with the trying new stuff, but a a bad memory.
    Just me and my Eastman MD315!
    And we're hungry to learn

  22. #19
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    Default Re: what stings should I use?

    I used J74's for the longest time until discovering Elixir nano coated medium gauge. I really like them and they last longer than the J 74's.

  23. #20
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    Default Re: what strings should I use?

    So I would get a few sets and change them out every month and see what you like. Or you will be more confused than ever trying to remember what strings sounded better two months ago. But at least they will be changed regularly which might be more important than what you change them with. My suggestions would be:

    1)D'addario EJ 74 ( see if you like uncoated)
    2)D'addario EXP74 CM (see if you like slightly larger)
    3) Elixir Mediums (Don't laugh -- they are the best on my Eastman 515)
    4) GHS 270 (uncoated, slightly larger A)
    5) Might try some other (DR's, Cleartone,Mapes, Pearse)

    Then figure out which you like best and repeat as needed. And don't forget to join the rest of us on the never ending, ever changing smorgasborg of different strings.

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  25. #21
    coprolite mandroid's Avatar
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    Post Re: what strings should I use?

    10 to 36 vs 11 to 41 is first choice, decision

    then bronze wound , or something else,?

    then try different brands of that gage and winding metal choice.. .


    All music wire at the core and unwound strings is a carbon steel ..

    bought in bulk, on rolls, by string making companies..










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  26. #22
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    Default Re: what strings should I use?

    Good suggestions above. My 315 likes Elixir mediums as well (and they last forever, though they’re not my preferred string on my other mandolins). All I’ll add is also to give monel a shot, and don’t go as light as EJ 62 or GHS 250 on that mandolin. They’re great for my Flatiron 1N, but I can’t imagine them being enough string to really drive a carved top instrument. Tried it once on a Kentucky 675-S because I broke a string and they were all I had, and I took them off as soon as I could find some EJ75s locally (about 2 days, lol).

    Have fun experimenting!
    Chuck

  27. #23

    Default Re: what strings should I use?

    If you go into a generic music store and they have mandolin strings at all, they will be D'Addario 74s. This has happened to me twice. It happens to be what I use anyway. But do try others like the GHS 270s and others. And don't be quick to judge. I have one mandolin that likes GHS Silk and steel that sounded horrible for two or three days, then improved a bunch.
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  28. #24
    Registered User Mike Arakelian's Avatar
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    Default Re: what strings should I use?

    EJ74s are a good choice for your 315. GHS-A270s are another set that I like and may be worth a try.
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  29. #25
    Registered User Roger Moss's Avatar
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    Default Re: what strings should I use?

    So what strings does everyone think will produce the most mellow sound from a 305? I don't do bright or chop.
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